Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

About

Cormorants are large, dark waterbirds. They feed on fish, which they catch with their long, hook-tipped bills while swimming underwater. Cormorants nest on low cliffs around the coasts, or in colonies in trees on lakes and flooded gravel pits inland. Cormorants can often be spotted perched on a rock or bank with their wings held stretched out. In this stance, they are able to dry their feathers off which are not waterproof.

How to identify

Adult Cormorants are large, shiny, black birds with a white patch on the thigh during the summer breeding season. Young birds are dark brown above and white below.

Where to find it

Found around the coasts and on lakes, reservoirs and rivers inland.

Habitats

When to find it

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

How can people help

Historically, the Cormorant was heavily persecuted because it was seen as a greedy and sinister bird; as good fishers, they came into conflict with anglers. But they survived here and are now regularly seen both on our coasts and inland, including on man-made lakes, flooded gravel pits and reservoirs. The Wildlife Trusts work with planners, water companies and landowners to help make our man-made waterways and waterbodies as good for wildlife as they are for people. By working together, we can create a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats stretching across town and country, allowing wildlife to move about freely and people to enjoy the benefits of nature. Support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.